By James Robinson

A FIREFIGHTER is hoping that his dream "man cave" can burn brightest in a televised competition aiming to find Britain's most weird and wonderful sheds.

Kevin Francis's Engine House 07 is one of the finalists battling out to win Cuprinol's Shed of the Year competition, which will be shown on Channel 4's Amazing Spaces this summer.

He is one of four shed owners competing to win in the pub and entertainment section.

The father-of-two, who lives in Clatford Valley, Andover, is hoping to extinguish his opponents with his fire station themed creation, which includes its own bar, fireman's pole and hordes of firefighting memorabilia.

But Mr Francis faces stiff competition from the three other entries, which include a whisky house, a Punch and Judy carnival and Doctor Who-themed "Tardis" shed.

Talking about reaching the final, he said: "It's amazing to be chosen.

"There were 3,000 sheds entered and that has now been cut down to a final 32.

"It was never meant for anything like this.

"It was originally built as a place to keep all of my old firefighting kit which was starting to take over the house.

"Now it's become a great space for family, friends and the kids, who have their own parties in here."

Work on Engine House 07, which is named after Mr Francis's first station in Grayshott, initially began in October 2015.

Structural work started in January 2016, with the majority of the work completed two months later, in March.

Mr Francis then installed bar, which originated from Basingstoke Fire Station, and fitted it inside his new man cave.

He said: "It was hard getting the bar in here. But it was worth it.

"I wanted the shed to be like an old village fire station, like the one I started in.

"They were like social clubs - people would come in and drink with the firefighters."

Since completing the shed, family members, friends and colleagues have continually added to Mr Francis' collection of firefighting memorabilia.

Included amongst the firefighter's treasure trove includes old kits, hoses, ladders and badges.

In total, Mr Frances believes he has spent around £5,000 on the shed and its interior.

Alongside the memorabilia, the 45-year-old also included a wall of photographs, detailing his history as a firefighter.

He said: "It's my favourite part of the shed.

"I've got pictures there of my dad, who was also a firefighter, and me as a young boy."

When asked if the shed was completely fire safe, he said: "Of course.

"I have a fire extinguisher and alarms which are wired up to the house."

Mr Francis's shed will now go to a public vote to decide which shed will win the pub and entertainment section of the competition.

The winner will join the winners from the other seven categories for the overall title of shed of the year.

To vote for Mr Francis's shed or to find out more about the competition, visit: www.readersheds.co.uk/?type=Pub%2FEntertainment.